Topical Encyclopedia
Jairus, a synagogue leader, is a prominent figure in the New Testament who exemplifies profound faith in Jesus Christ. His account is recounted in the Synoptic Gospels, specifically in
Mark 5:21-43,
Matthew 9:18-26, and
Luke 8:40-56. Jairus's faith is demonstrated through his desperate plea for Jesus to heal his dying daughter, showcasing a deep trust in Christ's power and authority over life and death.
Context and BackgroundJairus held a respected position as a ruler of the synagogue, which indicates his significant standing within the Jewish community. Despite his status, Jairus approached Jesus with humility and urgency, driven by the dire condition of his twelve-year-old daughter. His actions reflect a recognition of Jesus' divine authority, transcending the religious and social boundaries of the time.
The Act of FaithIn
Mark 5:22-23 , Jairus's faith is vividly portrayed: "A synagogue leader named Jairus came, and seeing Jesus, he fell at His feet and pleaded with Him urgently, 'My little daughter is near death. Please come and place Your hands on her, so that she will be healed and live.'" Jairus's approach to Jesus is marked by reverence and desperation, as he falls at Jesus' feet, a gesture of submission and belief in Jesus' healing power.
Interruption and PersistenceAs Jesus begins to accompany Jairus to his home, they are interrupted by the healing of a woman with a bleeding condition. This delay could have tested Jairus's faith, yet he remains steadfast. During this time, messengers arrive with the devastating news that his daughter has died, advising him not to trouble Jesus any further (
Mark 5:35). Despite this, Jesus encourages Jairus, saying, "Do not be afraid; just believe" (
Mark 5:36). This moment underscores the necessity of unwavering faith, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable circumstances.
The Miracle of ResurrectionUpon arriving at Jairus's house, Jesus encounters mourners lamenting the girl's death. He assures them, "The child is not dead, but asleep" (
Mark 5:39), a statement met with skepticism. Jesus, accompanied by Peter, James, and John, enters the room where the child lies. Taking her by the hand, He commands, "Talitha koum!" which means, "Little girl, I say to you, get up!" (
Mark 5:41). Immediately, the girl rises and walks, astonishing all present.
Significance of Jairus's FaithJairus's faith is a testament to the power of belief in Christ's authority over life and death. His account illustrates the importance of approaching Jesus with humility and trust, regardless of one's social or religious standing. Jairus's unwavering faith, even when confronted with the finality of death, serves as a powerful example for believers, emphasizing the necessity of trusting in Jesus' power and timing.
Theological ImplicationsJairus's encounter with Jesus highlights several key theological themes. Firstly, it underscores Jesus' compassion and willingness to respond to those who seek Him in faith. Secondly, it demonstrates His authority over death, affirming His divine nature. Lastly, Jairus's account encourages believers to maintain faith in Christ, even when circumstances appear hopeless, trusting in His ability to bring life and restoration.
Nave's Topical Index
Matthew 9:18,23-25While he spoke these things to them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay your hand on her, and she shall live.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
The Touch of Faith
... Jairus pressed closer to the Saviour, and together they ... contact with Him, but through
the faith which took ... crowd that pressed close about Christ realized no ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 36 the touch of.htm
The Touch of Faith and the Touch of Christ
... He their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it ... in the account of the raising
of Jairus's daughter. ... and leisurely dignity produced by Christ's having time ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the touch of faith and.htm
The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the ...
... of the absolute power inherent in Christ; the recovery of the woman and the raising
of Jairus' daughter, evidence of the absolute efficacy of faith. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxvi the healing of.htm
A Miracle Within a Miracle
... How Jairus must have chafed at the delay ... Christ's last word to her is tender ... He teaches
her that her faith, not her finger, had been the medium through which His ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/a miracle within a miracle.htm
The Power of Feeble Faith
... this miracle, it is embedded in the story of Jairus's daughter, which it ... with for
a moment by itself"namely, that Christ answers the imperfect faith. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the power of feeble faith.htm
Christ to Jairus
... rekindling of hope must have seemed to Jairus when the ... Jesus Christ is saying the
very same things to us ... The connection between our faith and our experience of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/christ to jairus.htm
Jairus' Daughter and the Invalid Woman.
... b cometh} ^ca man named Jairus, { ^b Jairus by name ... and cheer, Jesus revived the
ruler's failing faith.] ^b 37 And ... them to understand the work of Christ.] ^c 51 ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lviii jairus daughter and the.htm
With Jairus
... here recorded, for as He went with Jairus, amidst the ... but so majestic as to believe
that Christ would know ... Her misery and her faith drew from His guarded lips ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 5 21-43 with jairus.htm
Christ Returns to the West Side of Genesareth. --Healing of the ...
... the rulers of the synagogue, named Jairus, whose daughter ... people approach and touch
thee!" But Christ repeated his ... her, "Be of good cheer, thy faith hath saved ...
/.../section 133 christ returns to.htm
Prayer and Trust
... They trusted not God, nor Christ, nor the authenticity of ... of his daughter's death
was brought to Jairus our Lord ... him, "Arise, go thy way; thy faith hath made ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the necessity of prayer/iii prayer and trust.htm
Resources
What does the Bible say about faith? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a leap of faith? | GotQuestions.orgHow can you believe in salvation by faith alone when the only occurrence of 'faith alone' in the Bible (James 2:24) says that salvation is not by faith alone? | GotQuestions.orgFaith: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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